Design and implement software and robotics architecture for automation cells, integrating robotic arms, vision systems, and control systems. Ensure reliable deployment in production environments and establish engineering standards.
Silana · New York, NY · On-site · Full-time
CompanySilana is an early-stage start-up that builds automated production systems for the garment industry. Our machines integrate robotic manipulation, computer vision, AI, industrial controls, and embedded compute to automate sewing and assembly operations that are still performed manually in most of the world.
RoleWe are hiring a Senior ROS 2 Software Engineer / System Architect to own the design and implementation of the software and robotics architecture across our automation cells.
The person in this role will be responsible for the ROS 2 system architecture, node design, communication topology, lifecycle management, and the integration layer between our robotic arms, PLC/EtherCAT control system, vision pipelines, and edge compute. You will work across the full stack from motion planning through system integration to test and deployment, and your architectural decisions will define how our platform scales from a single customer deployment to a multi-cell product line.
This is a hands-on technical role. You will write code, debug on hardware, and ship software that runs reliably on production equipment in customer factories. Due to the tight integration with hardware, this position is expected on-site every day at our NYC facility.
Responsibilities- Design and maintain the ROS 2 system architecture for Silana's automation cells, including node topology, DDS/QoS configuration, lifecycle management, and inter-process communication patterns
- Own the integration of Universal Robots arms (UR10e/UR20) with the broader system via the ur_robot_driver and External Control URCap, including motion planning, task sequencing, error handling, and recovery
- Architect and implement the interface layer between ROS 2 and the Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC/EtherCAT control system
- Integrate computer vision outputs (pose estimation, defect detection, material segmentation) into robotic task execution
- Collaborate with mechanical, controls, embedded, and vision engineers to define and maintain interface contracts across subsystems
- Establish software best practices and engineering standards for the robotics stack deployment: test & validation, Version Control & CI/CD, logging & diagnostics, documentation, safety & security
- Contribute to technical roadmap decisions in partnership with the CTO and VP Engineering
- BS or MS in Computer Science from a strong technical program
- 5 to 7 years of professional experience in software engineering specifically for robotic applications, 3+ in robotic manipulation.
- Deep, hands-on proficiency with ROS 2 (lifecycle nodes, managed nodes, composable containers, launch systems, DDS configuration), not limited to ROS 1 with surface-level ROS 2 exposure
- Strong C++ skills
- Experience integrating and programming industrial robotic arms (Universal Robots, Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or comparable)
- Demonstrated experience building robotic systems that operate on physical hardware in real-world or production environments
- Solid understanding of real-time systems, concurrency, and multi-process coordination
- Proficiency in Linux (Ubuntu, systemd, networking, containerization)
- Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, EtherCAT, or comparable industrial fieldbus protocols. Familiarity with PLC programming (Structured Text, IEC 61131-3)
- Familiarity with MoveIt 2 or custom motion planning implementations
- Experience with computer vision in robotic systems (OpenCV, depth sensing, Luxonis OAK-D)
- Exposure to NVIDIA Jetson platforms (AGX Orin, Xavier) and CUDA/TensorRT
- Experience scaling a robotics codebase from prototype to deployed product
- Contributions to ROS 2 open-source packages
- Familiarity with physics-based simulation for development and test (digital twin and Hardware-in-the-loop) for robotic systems
Similar Jobs
AdTech • Artificial Intelligence
As a Brand Designer, you'll conceptualize and execute designs across various media, crafting narratives that align with Agentio's vision and evolving its brand system while collaborating closely with various teams.
Top Skills:
Adobe Creative SuiteFigmaMotion Design
Consumer Web • Information Technology • Sales • Software
Provide front-line support to businesses and consumers via email, chat, and phone; troubleshoot implementation and technical issues; monitor helpdesk queues; create self-service guides; collaborate with Sales, Customer Success and Product; support both B2B and B2C customers using tools like Zendesk, Salesforce, Slack and Jira.
Top Skills:
EcommerceJIRASalesforceSlackZendesk
Fintech • Software • Financial Services
Lead and enable a sales team to meet quota by developing territory strategy, participating in pursuits, building pipeline, maintaining senior client relationships, collaborating with marketing, and ensuring smooth conversion from bookings to revenue while driving a world-class sales process.
Top Skills:
ClearwaterMS Office
What you need to know about the NYC Tech Scene
As the undisputed financial capital of the world, New York City is an epicenter of startup funding activity. The city has a thriving fintech scene and is a major player in verticals ranging from AI to biotech, cybersecurity and digital media. It also has universities like NYU, Columbia and Cornell Tech attracting students and researchers from across the globe, providing the ecosystem with a constant influx of world-class talent. And its East Coast location and three international airports make it a perfect spot for European companies establishing a foothold in the United States.
Key Facts About NYC Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 549,200; 6% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Capgemini, Bloomberg, IBM, Spotify
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, Fintech
- Funding Landscape: $25.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Greycroft, Thrive Capital, Union Square Ventures, FirstMark Capital, Tiger Global Management, Tribeca Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Two Sigma Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Columbia University, New York University, Fordham University, CUNY, AI Now Institute, Flatiron Institute, C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics, NASA Space Radiation Laboratory
